Hilton Hotels has opened its first hotel in The Hague, Netherlands, its fifth hotel in the country itself.

The 195-room hotel is set within the restored 1950's shell of the former Royal Dutch Telecom headquarters building and located in the city's embassy district. The opening sees the launch of the 80-cover Grand Cafe Pearl, a restaurant offering locally sourced and seasonal dishes and inspired by Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer's painting 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' which is on display at the nearby Mauritshuis Museum. The restaurant also has a large outdoor terrace where coffee, light lunches and dinner will be served during the warmer months.

Adjacent to Pearl is the Bar Lutine, named after the French warship 'La Lutine' and offering a wide selection of cocktails and sparkling wines by the glass. Interior design influences for the hotel have been created by local Hague designer Angelika Kok of Barzileye Concept & Design.

Inspired by the geographic and historical roots of The Hague, the atrium has the atmosphere of the nearby dunes and seaside, with a six-metre high sculpted sand wall. The Grand Cafe is based on the paintings of Vermeer, realised with modern columns and a 17th century lace pattern with complimenting chandeliers. The influences of another famous Dutch painter, Mesdag, play a key role in the design of the ballroom, with Mesdag 'skies' and colours. The public areas reflect the splendour of the 'Golden Age', featuring contemporary materials and design techniques.

Elsewhere are 10 meeting rooms, including the Mesdag ballroom, with a maximum capacity of 400 guests. A complimentary 24-hour Fitness Centre by Precor offers cardio and resistance equipment and free weights. Image: (c) 2009 Hilton Hotels